Senior Scientist, Product Development

About the position

Natera is seeking an innovative Senior Scientist, Product Development to join Natera's Oncology Product Development Team. We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated candidate with experience in next generation sequencing (NGS) assay development and validation to ensure that the highest quality clinical assays are developed and launched for our patients.

Responsibilities

• Design development, verification, and validation studies with stakeholder input and coordinate efforts to achieve milestones within established timelines
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as automation, engineering, R&D, bioinformatics, and lab operations, to develop robust, automated workflows
• Lead the integration of automated workflows with digital systems such as LIMS and LabVantage (LV). Support the design and execution of integration testing to ensure data integrity between automation and digital systems
• Plan and execute moderate to high complexity experiments
• Identify the root cause of problems and develop solutions to resolve problems effectively
• Perform basic data analysis (e.g. Excel, JMP). Coordinate the analysis of studies with biostatistics and bioinformatics teams
• Provide regular updates at project team and departmental meetings on project progress, outcomes, and next steps to ensure alignment and transparency
• Author and review SOPs, study reports, and transfer documents for production implementation
• Train team members on new SOPs and automated workflows
• Provide support to lab operations, including troubleshooting and providing technical guidance
• Be flexible to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Ph.D with 5 years of industry experience OR Master's degree with 7 years of industry experience required
• Must be able to independently design and execute experiments, interpret results, and decide on next steps
• Must have extensive hands-on experience with various molecular biology techniques including but not limited to: NGS, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction and quantification
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficient in data analysis using tools such as Excel or JMP
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to write clear project plans, study protocols and reports, and SOPs

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with the development of automated workflows is highly desired
• LDT product development and validation experience is highly desired
• Experience with reagent QC development is a plus

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families
• Fertility care benefits
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• 401k benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Generous employee referral program